Preaching on Consulation: The Presence of God in Our Affliction
Introduction
A. Defining "Consolation"
In the original Greek, the word for comfort or consolation is paraklesis. It literally means "to call to one's side." It is the same root used for the Holy Spirit (Paraclete). It implies more than just a kind word; it describes someone coming alongside you to strengthen, encourage, and restore you from within.
B. The Source of All Comfort
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Apostle Paul introduces a glorious truth: our God is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort." He is not a distant deity watching our struggles from afar, but the very source of the strength we need to endure.
C. Presence in a Broken World
We live in a world defined by tribulation, sickness, loss, and trial. However, the believer is never truly alone. There is a specific kind of consolation that can only come from heaven.
D. A Consecrated Purpose
God does not comfort us simply to make us feel better; He comforts us so that we may become conduits of that same comfort to others (Romans 12:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:26).
Proposition: Divine comfort is a personal experience intended to become a ministry to others.
I. God is the Father of All Consolation
2 Corinthians 1:3
1. Blessing God in the Midst of Trial
Remarkably, Paul writes these words while undergoing intense suffering. He does not complain; he exalts. He identifies God as the "Father of mercies," the absolute fountainhead of every true comfort.
• Scriptural Titles: He is the "God of patience and consolation" (Romans 15:5) and the provider of "eternal comfort" (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
2. God’s Active Consolation
God’s comfort is a recurring theme throughout the history of His people:
• Psalm 86:17: He shows His help and comfort to the needy.
• Isaiah 49:13 & 52:9: The Lord comforts His people and redeems Jerusalem.
• Isaiah 61:2: He provides comfort specifically for those who mourn.
• Doctrinal Point: Divine comfort is not necessarily the absence of the problem, but the presence of God in the midst of it.
3. The Tenderness of a Mother
Isaiah 66:13 — "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."
God uses one of the most tender human metaphors—maternal love—to describe His care for His children. It is a gentle, intimate, and restorative affection.
4. Consolation for the Broken
God specializes in reaching those the world overlooks: the depressed, the humble, and the brokenhearted (Jeremiah 31:13; 2 Corinthians 7:6).
Application: Do not despise divine comfort by seeking human "band-aids" before turning to the Great Physician.
II. God Consulation Us with a Purpose
2 Corinthians 1:4
1. Comfort is Not for Hoarding
"...so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." Christian comfort is never selfish; it is ministerial. We are blessed to be a blessing.
2. The Reciprocal Commandment
God initiates a "chain of comfort": God comforts us $\rightarrow$ we comfort others $\rightarrow$ they receive strength.
• Romans 12:15: We are commanded to weep with those who weep.
• 1 Corinthians 12:26: In the Body of Christ, if one member suffers, every member suffers with it.
3. The Authority of Experience
We cannot effectively impart what we have not yet received. Our personal history with God's faithfulness in our own "dark nights" qualifies and equips us to minister to others in theirs.
III. Biblical Ways to Offer Consulation
1. Through the Word of God
Romans 15:4 — The Scriptures were written to give us endurance and encouragement. Sound doctrine provides the spiritual and emotional stability needed during a storm.
2. Through Words and Messages
Acts 15:31 — A letter sent to the believers brought great joy and encouragement. Never underestimate the power of a phone call, a text, or a handwritten note to strengthen a flagging heart.
3. Through Physical Presence
• Job 2:11: Job’s friends, despite their later errors, began correctly by simply going to be with him.
• John 11:19: Many came to sit with Martha and Mary.
• Acts 16:40: The mere presence of brothers encouraged Paul after his release from prison.
• Principle: Comforting often requires "being there" more than "saying things."
4. Through Christian Fellowship
1 Thessalonians 3:7 — Paul was comforted simply by hearing news of the brothers' faith. The shared life of the church brings inherent strength.
Practical Application:
• Visit the sick.
• Sit with the bereaved.
• Pray specifically with the afflicted.
• Practice the art of listening more than speaking.
IV. Comfort as the Ministry of the Church
Doctrinally, the church is the body of Christ on earth. If Christ was the "Man of Sorrows" who was acquainted with grief, His body must reflect His compassionate character.
• Ephesians 4:32: We are called to be kind and compassionate.
• Colossians 3:12: We must clothe ourselves with "heartfelt mercy."
To withhold comfort from a suffering brother or sister is a form of spiritual selfishness. We are the hands and feet through which God often chooses to deliver His paraklesis.
See Also
- Preaching On 1 John 1:7 - What it Means to Walk in the Light
- Preaching On James 4:8 Draw Near to God
- Preaching On Will of God: The Necessity of Submission
Conclusion
A. Our God is the Father of All Comfort. He is ready to call you to His side today. Whether your heart is heavy from loss, stress, or hidden pain, His mercy is available.
B. You are a Conduit.
Once you have tasted His peace, look around you. Who is in the "dark valley" today? Who needs to hear that God is still faithful?
C. The Promise.
We do not mourn as those who have no hope. We mourn in the arms of the God of all consolation.
